The Federal Government has initiated arrangements to bring back over 1,000 Nigerian nationals from South Africa following renewed concerns about xenophobic attacks and growing hostility toward foreign residents in the country.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that authorities had begun screening Nigerians interested in participating in a voluntary repatriation programme.

The move comes against the backdrop of increasing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have reportedly faced attacks and intimidation. Some local groups have blamed immigrants for unemployment, criminal activity and pressure on social services.

Speaking on the exercise, Ebienfa indicated that the expected number of returnees would exceed 1,000, although the final figure has yet to be determined.

“Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over 1,000 persons,” he said.

Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria also revealed that discussions with South African authorities had resulted in concessions aimed at easing the return process for affected Nigerians, particularly those facing immigration-related challenges.

According to the mission, agreements reached with the host government would allow Nigerians with immigration infractions to depart under the repatriation arrangement rather than face detention.

The High Commission stated that it had “negotiated waivers with host authorities” so that Nigerians with “immigration-related offences” would be permitted to depart on the eventual repatriation flights rather than face detention.

The repatriation effort follows growing regional concern over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa. Recently, Ghana issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the country due to reports of renewed xenophobic violence.

Ghana has also begun evacuating its nationals. Authorities in Accra repatriated approximately 300 citizens during the first phase of an operation expected to return about 800 Ghanaians in total.

Tensions have intensified further following reports that a citizen-led group issued a June 30 deadline demanding the removal of undocumented migrants. The development has raised fears of a recurrence of past outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence that resulted in multiple fatalities.

In response to the situation, Nigeria has increased diplomatic engagement with South African authorities. On May 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to discuss concerns regarding the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has also reported that at least two Nigerians lost their lives in separate incidents linked to anti-foreigner violence. As concerns mounted, the commission presented four key demands to South African authorities aimed at protecting Nigerians and addressing the growing insecurity.